Protective device for use with a glove

ABSTRACT

A protective device for use in a high temperature and liquid environment provides a glove integrally formed with a protective member in the thumb webbing region. The protective member is not readily detectable when viewing the outside of the glove. The protective member is cut resistant and constructed to protect a workman&#39;s hand as a sharp and hot object passes over the protective member contacting the outer surface of the glove.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/384,562, filed on Dec. 20, 2016; the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to protective coverings. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to protective coverings usedas a glove for a hand. Specifically, the present invention provides aprotective device to cover the webbing region located between a thumband index finger (i.e., the thumb crotch) on a liquid proof heatresistant glove or mitten.

Background Information

Humans have enjoyed roasting chickens on a rotisserie since at least themiddle ages. Modern rotisserie devices are provided in the form ofovens, often at supermarkets or grocery stores. The chickens cook on arotisserie spit that rotates in the oven. The spit is extremely sharp asit has to pierce the chicken so the chicken may be affixed to the spitwhile it rotates in the oven. The rotisserie oven heats up to hightemperatures, often in excess of 500 degrees, and cooks the chicken.

Liquid proof heat resistant gloves are often used in commercialsettings, such as delicatessens, that cook their own rotisseriechickens. These gloves are designed to protect a worker's hands from thehigh heat and hot liquids (e.g., grease) that are associated with therotisserie roasting of chicken. A deli worker dons these gloves prior toremoving the chickens from the spit. To remove a chicken from a spit, aworker wearing the liquid proof heat resistant gloves removes the spitfrom the rotating oven. The worker then grasps the spit at one end.Ordinarily, a right handed person grasps the right end of the spit withhis right hand and grasps adjacent the right end of the spit with hisleft hand in the glove. The user then pulls the spit using his righthand in a motion similar to drawing a sword, all while continuing tograsp the spit with his left hand. As the spit travels through theuser's grasped hand, the chickens are released from the spit and fallinto a desired container. A problem often arises when the worker removesthe chickens because drawing the spit through the grasped glove has atendency to cut the glove surface. The liquid proof heat resistantgloves often cost around one hundred dollars a pair and currently somedelicatessens are replacing cut or damaged gloves every three days.

A search for prior art revealed a protector for a ski glove. Oneexemplary ski glove protector is manufactured by Kombi, Ltd. of EssexJunction, Vt., USA and sold commercially under the name of “GloveProtector” available at www.skis.com. This Kombi glove protector isconstructed of natural leather and is for use with ski gloves to protecta cold weather ski glove from being torn by ski tow ropes while a wearergrasps the tow rope. This Kombi glove protector is for cold weatheroutdoor gear and would not function in a protective manner at the hightemperatures required for protecting a liquid proof heat resistant glovedonned by a deli worker. The leather constructed Kombi glove would meltat the high temperature ranges in which the present invention operates.

Additionally, other protective devices used on gloves have been shown inthe prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,600 (the '600 patent)discloses a work glove including a fiber-made base glove with tworeinforcement coats. A first reinforcement coat of compound rubber latex(essentially neoprene) extends over the crotch between the thumb andforefinger. A second reinforcement coat of compound rubber latex coversthe fiber-made base glove except a back thereof includes the firstreinforcement coat. Essentially, the first reinforcement coat is notcovered by the second reinforcement coat on the back portion (i.e.,dorsal portion or volar portion) of the glove. The first reinforcementcoat and the second reinforcement coat extend along the length of theforefinger and cover the distal tip thereof. Thumb implementations ofcompound rubber latex may increase the stiffness of the base glovethereby reducing finger flexion or increasing finger strain and musclestrength to effectuate a similar flexion of a base glove free of thefirst and second reinforcement layers. Thus, while the crotch region maybe covered with the first and second reinforcement layers, otherdrawbacks may continue to exist.

An additional attempt at protecting a portion of the hand is detailed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,873,998 (the '998 patent). The '998 patent provides ahardened plastic band formed from a thermos-plastic material that allowsenough flexibility to move the hand, but also has a substantial densityto protect the same. One drawback associated with the protective deviceof the '998 patent is that it likely could not be used in high-heatenvironments inasmuch as portions of the hand are exposed through theprotective band.

An additional attempt at protecting the thumb-crotch region of the handis detailed in U.S. P.G. Publication 2003/0140396 (the '396publication). The '396 publication details a unilayer flexible textileperformance fabric comprising a base fabric having at least onedissimilar high performance fiber interwoven into said base fabric. The'396 publication details that the weaving of the two distinct fiberstogether creates a single layer of material. The high performance fibermay be cut-resistant.

SUMMARY

Thus, while the liquid proof heat resistant gloves exist for protectingthe deli worker from the hot spit and hot liquids, a need exists toprotect the expensive glove from the slicing motion of the spit as itpulled through the grasped hand of the deli worker.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide aprotective device for use in a high temperature and liquid environmentprovides a glove integrally formed with a protective member in the thumbwebbing region. The protective member is not readily detectable whenviewing the outside of the glove. The protective member is cut resistantand constructed to protect a worker's hand as a sharp and hot objectpasses over the protective member contacting the outer surface of theglove

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide aprotective member for a thumb-crotch region of the glove that, prior toinstalling on a glove, is laid flat and the protective member comprises:a generally rounded trapezoidal-shaped edge bounding a first surfaceopposite a second surface; a major axis associated with the generallyrounded trapezoidal-shaped edge; a minor axis associated with thegenerally rounded trapezoidal-shaped edge; at least two opposing slitsinterrupting the generally rounded trapezoidal-shaped edge, wherein theat least two slits extend parallel to the minor axis and each terminatesprior to the major axis, wherein the two slits are enable the protectivemember to bend around a thumb region of the glove and a forefingerregion of the glove such that the major axis extends over thumb-crotchregion of the glove.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure mayprovide a protective member for a thumb-crotch region of a glovecomprising: a first surface facing towards a hand when donning theglove; a second surface opposite the first surface facing away from thehand when donning the glove; an edge bound the first surface and thesecond surface; a major axis and a minor axis associated with the firstsurface, wherein the first surface is longer along the major axis thanalong the minor axis; and at least one slit interrupting the edge andthe first surface, the at least one slit extending generally parallelthe to the minor axis; wherein the at least one slit enables theprotective member to bend around one of (a) a thumb sleeve and (b) aforefinger sleeve such that the protective member extends over andprotects the thumb-crotch region.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure mayprovide a system for protecting an operator from a sharp object movingabove a thumb-crotch region comprising: a hand from an operatorincluding at least the following bones: a first metacarpal bone, asecond carpal bone, and a third metacarpal bone; a glove donned by thehand; a protective member attached to the glove spanning thethumb-crotch region; and a first edge of the protective member crossingover the second metacarpal bone at an angle in a range from 15° to 75°.This system may further comprises a second edge of the protective membercrossing over the second metacarpal bone at an angle generallyorthogonal or slightly greater than orthogonal to the first edge of theprotective member. The system may further comprise a third edge of theprotective member generally parallel with the second edge or generallyangled in a mirrored fashion about the longitudinal axis with the secondedge with such that the protective member is generally shaped like atrapezoid when laid flat. The system may further comprise a terminalcorner of the first edge positioned approximately directly above thethird metacarpal bone. The system may further provide that theprotective member defines two slits to enable the protective member tobend around a thumb region of the glove and around a forefinger regionof the glove such that the major axis extends over the thumb-crotchregion defined between the thumb region and the forefinger region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the followingdescription, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctlypointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is an exploded top view of components that define a protectivemember for use with a liquid proof and heat resistant glove;

FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the protective member;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theprotective member;

FIG. 4 is an exploded environmental view of the assembled protectivemember and a liner for a glove detailing the location where theprotective member is attached to the liner;

FIG. 5A is a palmar-side view of the protective member attached to theliner;

FIG. 5B is a dorsal-side view of the protective member attached to theliner;

FIG. 6 is an operational view of the liner carrying the protectivemember being dipped into a bath of liquefied material which cures toform the outer layer of the glove;

FIG. 7A is a palmar-side view of the assembled liquid proof and heatresistant glove having a protective member extend over and around thethumb crotch of the glove in order to protect the same; and

FIG. 7B is a dorsal-side view of the assembled liquid proof and heatresistant glove having a protective member extend over and around thethumb crotch of the glove in order to protect the same.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A protective member for protecting the thumb crotch region of a liquidproof and heat resistant glove is shown generally throughout FIG. 1through FIG. 7B at 10. Protective member 10 may include a first portion12, a second portion 14, and a third portion 16. As will be described ingreater detail below, first portion 12, second portion 14, and thirdportion 16 are connected together to define a unique shape of protectivemember 10 to cover the thumb crotch region of a liquid proof and heatresistant glove. However, it is to be understood that protective member10 may be formed as a unibody monolithic member and the regionsdescribed herein are to be understood as descriptive of locationsrelative to other portions of the protective device and are notnecessarily independent structures.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded top view of the first portion 12, the secondportion 14, and the third portion 16 laid flat and separated from eachother. When laid flat, the first portion 12 is generally trapezoidal inshape having rounded corners. In this embodiment, the first portion 12may include a first edge 18 spaced apart and generally parallel to asecond edge 20. First portion 12 may further include a third edge 22extending between first edge 18 and second edge 20. First portion 12 mayfurther include a fourth edge 24 that is opposite and spaced apart fromthird edge 22 and extends between first edge 18 and second edge 20. Thethird edge 22 meets the first edge 18 at a rounded first corner 26.Additionally, third edge 22 meets the second edge 20 at a rounded secondcorner 28. The fourth edge 24 meets the first edge 18 at a rounded thirdcorner 30. Additionally, the fourth edge 24 meets the second edge 20 ata rounded fourth corner 32. The aforementioned edges and corners boundan upwardly facing top surface 34 and a downwardly facing bottom surface36.

FIG. 1 further depicts an imaginary longitudinal axis 38 (i.e., themajor axis) perpendicularly intersecting an imaginary transverse axis 40(i.e., the minor axis). The center 42 of first portion 12 is locatedwhere the longitudinal axis 38 intersects the transverse axis 40.

The first portion 12 defines an arcuate cutout region 44 by an arcuatelyconcave edge 46 interrupting first edge 18. In one particularembodiment, the arcuately extending concave edge 46 intersects theimaginary longitudinal axis 38. However, in other embodiments, edge 46may be located at other portions of first edge 18 to define a cutoutregion 44. Moreover, in another embodiment, the base, or lowermostportion of concave edge 46, which is closest to transverse axis 40, mayintersect longitudinal axis 38.

First portion 12 may further define a first slit 48 and a second slit50. The first slit 48 extends towards the longitudinal axis 38 from thethird edge 22. The first slit 48 interrupts third edge 22 and isarranged generally parallel with transverse axis 40 when the firstportion 12 is laid flat. In one embodiment, first slit 48 may be offsetfrom transverse axis 40. In yet another embodiment, the first slit 48 isoffset towards the first edge 18 relative to transverse axis 40. Thesecond slit 50 extends towards the longitudinal axis 38 from the fourthedge 24 and interrupts the same. The second slit 50 is offset generallyparallel to the transverse axis 40 and in one embodiment, the first slit48 and the second slit 50 are coplanar and offset towards the first edge18 from the transverse axis 40. In some implementations, the firstportion 12 may be entirely continuous and uninterrupted for all regionsof the first portion 12 offset towards the second edge 20 from thetransverse axis 40.

The length of the first slit 48 and the second slit 50 is orientedgenerally parallel with the transverse axis 40. In one implementation,the length of the first slit 48 is equal to the length of the secondslit 50. In this case, the length of the first slit 48 and the secondslit 50 may be in a range from about 0.5 inches to about three inches.Moreover, in other implementations, the length of the first slit 48 isclose to about 1.5 inches.

The first slit 48 is bound by a first slit first edge 52 and a firstslit second edge 54. The first slit first and second edges 52, 54 arespaced apart and extend generally parallel to each other and areoriented generally parallel to the transverse axis 40 when protectivemember 10 is laid fat. First edge 52 meets edge 22 at a corner 56 thatis positioned outwardly relative to the inner terminal end of first slit48. Similarly, second edge 54 meets edge 22 outwardly from the terminalend of first slit 48 relative to the longitudinal axis 38 at a corner58.

Second slit 50 is bound by a second slit first edge 60 and second slitsecond edge 62. The second slit first and second edges 60, 62 extendgenerally parallel and offset from each other and are also parallel totransverse axis 40. First edge 60 extends transversely from a corner 64towards the inner terminal end of second slit 50. Corner 64 is locatedwhere first edge 60 meets fourth edge 24 of the first portion 12. Secondedge 62 extends transversely from a corner 67 inwardly towards an innerterminal end of second slit 50. Corner 67 is located where second edge62 meets edge 24 of the first portion 12.

Reference is now made to the second portion 14 and the third portion 16inasmuch as they are similarly shaped. Similar reference numerals areutilized for brevity. Each of the second portion 14 and third portion 16are shaped generally similar to that of an isosceles triangle when laidflat. A first edge 66 is formed generally at a right angle to edge 68defining a rounded corner 70. An arcuate edge 72 represents a hypotenusebetween edge 66 and edge 68 relative to the rounded corner 70. Edge 66and edge 68 are generally similar in length. The arcuate edge 72 meetsedge 66 at a corner 74. The arcuate edge 72 meets edge 68 at corner 76.The collective edges of second portion 14 and third portion 16 bound afirst surface 78 which faces an opposite second surface 80. Firstsurface 78 of second portion 14 and third portion 16 faces the samedirection as top surface 34 of first portion 12. Second surface 80 ofsecond portion 14 and third portion 16 faces the same direction as thebottom surface 36 of first portion 12. Generally, the second portion 14may be considered as a first quarter-round shaped member having anarcuate edge, and two perpendicular edges meeting at a point, whereinthe first quarter-round shaped member is adapted to be disposed withinone slit formed by the first portion 12. Similarly, the third portion 16may be considered a second quarter-round shaped member having an arcuateedge, and two perpendicular edges meeting at a point, wherein the secondquarter-round shaped member is adapted to be disposed within an opposingslit on the first portion 12.

FIG. 2 depicts an assembled perspective view of the protective member10. When assembled, the second portion 14 occupies the space betweenfirst slit first edge 52 and first slit second edge 54. The secondportion 14 is oriented such that the rounded corner 70 is positionedclosely adjacent the inner terminal end of first slit 48. The corners56, 58 are spread from each other such that corner 56 is alignedproximate corner 74 on second portion 14. Corner 58 is aligned proximatecorner 76 on second portion 14. The arcuate edge 72 flexes upwardly anddefines an uppermost apex 82. Edge 66 is aligned such that it runsapproximately collinearly with edge 52. Edge 68 is aligned such that itruns approximately collinearly with edge 54. The second portion 14 maybe joined to the first portion 12 in any manner of known chemical, ormechanical, or non-chemical, and non-mechanical joining methods. Someexemplary mechanical manners of joining the first portion 12 with thesecond portion 14 include stitching or other sewing techniques.Exemplary chemical manners in which the first portion 12 may be joinedto the second portion 14 include adhesive glues or thermal welding.

The third portion 16 is positioned in a similar manner such that itoccupies space between second slit first edge 60 and second slit secondedge 62. Rounded corner 70 of third portion 16 is positioned proximatethe innermost terminal end of second slit 50. Edge 66 is closely alignedwith edge 60 and edge 68 is closely aligned with edge 62. Moreover,corner 64 is aligned with corner 74 of third portion 16, and corner 67is generally proximate corner 76 of third portion 16. Arcuate edge 72 isflexed upwardly to define apex 82 which is at a height similar to thatof apex 82 on second portion 14. Inasmuch as the inner terminal ends ofthe first slit 48 and the second slit 50 are spaced apart, a region 84is defined on the first portion 12 between second portion 14 and thirdportion 16. First portion 12 may be folded such that the region 84 ispositioned above edge 18 and edge 20 on first portion 12. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, region 84 will extend over the thumbcrotch region of a person donning the glove such that the region offirst portion 12 offset to one side of region 84 extends over the palmararea of a hand and the opposite region of the first portion 12 andopposite region 84 extends over the dorsal side of a hand.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternative embodiment of a protective member for usewith a liquid proof and heat resistant glove and is shown generally at10A. Protective member 10A is similar to protective member 10 inasmuchas it fits over the thumb crotch region to protect the person wearingthe glove, however it is formed from a monolithic unibody material.Protective member 10A may be molded in a manner such that its shape issimilar to the assembled protective member 10 depicted in FIG. 2.Protective member 10A includes a first region 85A that is configured tofit over the palmar region of the wearer's hand when worn. A secondregion 87A of protective member 10A is configured to lie above thedorsal (or volar) region of a user's hand when donning the glove. Inthis scenario, the protective region 84A is positioned over the thumbcrotch 104 region of the user's hand.

The protective member 10, 10A of the present disclosure can be formedfrom a variety of materials configured to withstand a sharp objectpassing over top surface 34 thereof. Protective member 10 or 10A may beformed from a hardened plastic or polymer, however other materials maybe utilized. Two alternative materials that may be used to formprotective member 10 or 10A are an aramid or a para-aramid syntheticfiber. One exemplary para-aramid material is sold under the name Kevlar®manufactured by the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington,Del. A further contemplated alternate material that may be used to formthe protective member 10, 10A is chainmail. Protective member 10, 10A isadapted to withstand melting, ignition, and combustion in air atstandard reference conditions, at temperatures of at least 500 degreesFahrenheit, and perhaps able to withstand higher temperatures up to 1000degrees Fahrenheit.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the protective member 10, 10Ais configured to be formed within a glove, as will be described ingreater detail below, in order to protect the user who has donned theglove from a hot, sharp, elongated member such as a blade passing overthe thumb crotch region of the glove. While it is to be understood thatthis protective member 10, 10A is integrally molded within the glovesuch that it is positioned between a liner and an outer surface ofliquid proof and heat resistance material (i.e., sandwiched between theinner liner and outer surface), it is entirely possible for theprotective member to be attached externally to the glove.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the palmar side of a right handed gloveliner 90. The liner 90 defines a thumb sleeve 92, an index finger orforefinger sleeve 94, and three other finger sleeves 96, 98, and 100.The liner 90 may be formed of liner material described in the parentdisclosures or from another material as one having ordinary skill in theart would understand. One non-limiting exemplary material includescotton twill, which provides for easy donning and doffing.

The liner 90 defines a region to be protected by the protective member10, 10A and is shown generally by stippling/shading and identifiedgenerally at 102. The region to be protected 102 includes the thumbcrotch 104. Region to be protected 102 includes a forefinger boundaryedge 105 that extends along a portion of the forefinger sleeve 94 andcovers the knuckle joint where the forefinger proximal phalange bonemeets the metacarpal bone of the forefinger of the wearer's hand. Theforefinger boundary edge 105 extends approximately 180° around thelongitudinal axis associated with the forefinger. Additionally, theforefinger boundary edge 105 is disposed between the knuckle joint andthe forefinger intermediate phalange bone. Stated otherwise, forefingerboundary edge 105 is positioned proximally relative to the distal tip ofthe forefinger sleeve 94.

The region to be protected 102 further includes a thumb boundary edge107 that extends along a portion of the thumb sleeve 92 and covers aportion of the knuckle joint where the proximal thumb phalange bonemeets the metacarpal bone of the thumb. The thumb boundary edge 107extends approximately 180° around the longitudinal axis associated withthe thumb. Additionally, the thumb boundary edge 107 is disposed betweenthe knuckle joint and the thumb distal phalange bone. Stated otherwise,thumb boundary edge 107 is positioned proximally relative to the distaltip of the thumb sleeve 92.

The region to be protected 102 extends around and over the thumb crotch104 such that the region to be protected 102 partially covers a palmarportion and partially covers a dorsal portion of the wearer's hand. Withrespect to the palmar side, the region to be protect 102 includes apalmar first edge boundary 106, a palmar second edge boundary 108, and apalmar third edge boundary 110.

For the following discussion, some anatomical terms are utilized toidentify locations of components of the present disclosure relative toanatomical positions. Components of the present disclosure that arecloser to the radius bone of the forearm are referred to herein as“radial” or “radially” relative to other components. Components of thepresent disclosure that are closer to the ulna bone of the forearm arereferred to herein as “ulnar” or “ulnarly” relative to other components.

The palmar first edge boundary 106 extends ulnarly from an angledorientation with the forefinger boundary edge 105. The ulnar-directedextension of the palmar first edge boundary 106 is positioned above thethird metacarpal bone (related to the middle finger). The palmar firstedge boundary 106 crosses over the third metacarpal bone at an anglebetween 15° and 75°. In one particular implementation, the palmar firstedge boundary 106 crosses over the third metacarpal bone at an angle ofabout 60° relative to horizontal. The ulnar-directed extension of thepalmar first edge boundary 106 terminates proximately above the fourthmetacarpal bone (related to the ring finger).

The palmar second edge boundary 108 extends radially from the terminalend of the palmar first edge boundary 106. In one implementation, thepalmar second edge boundary 108 meets the palmar first edge boundary 106at a rounded approximate 90° angle. The radial-directed extension of thepalmar second edge boundary 108 is positioned above the third metacarpalbone proximal from the palmar first edge boundary 106. Theradial-directed extension of the palmar second edge boundary 108terminates proximately above the proximal base of the first metacarpalbone (related to the thumb).

The palmar third edge boundary 110 meets the terminal end of the palmarsecond edge boundary 108 at a rounded approximate 90° angle. The palmarthird edge boundary 110 extends distally above the longitudinal axis ofthe first metacarpal bone. The palmar third edge boundary 110 meetsthumb boundary edge 107 above the proximal thumb phalange and proximalrelative to the distal thumb phalange.

The aforementioned region to be protected 102 has been described by therespective edge boundaries with respect to the palmar side of the hand,however the region to be protected 102 is to be understood as beingsimilarly shaped on the dorsal side of the hand, and the generallymirrored shape on the dorsal side is not repeated herein for brevity.

As depicted in FIG. 5A, the protective member 10 connects with the liner90 such that the protective member 10 is positioned directly above theregion to be protected 102. More particularly, a first protecting region85 of protective member 10 is positioned to protect at least a portionof the palmar side of the wearer's hand. As such, when the protectivemember 10 is attached to the liner, certain components are positionedrelative to the wearer's hand.

In one implementation, the protective member 10 is connected with theliner in any known chemical manner, mechanical manner, or non-chemicaland non-mechanical manner. For example, the protective member 10 may bechemically adhered or bonded with the liner 90, or the protective member10 may be mechanically fastened with the liner 90.

With the protective member 10 attached to the liner 90, the third edge22 lies directly above the palmar first edge boundary 106 such that thethird edge 22 extends ulnarly above the third metacarpal bone at anangle between 15° and 75°. The corner 28 is positioned closely adjacentto directly above the center of the third metacarpal bone. The secondedge 20 extends over the second metacarpal bone aligned with palmarsecond edge boundary 108. The fourth edge 24 is aligned with palmarthird edge boundary 110 such that the fourth edge 24 extends distallyabove the longitudinal axis of the first metacarpal bone. The edge 72 onthe third portion 16 is aligned with the thumb boundary edge 107 abovethe proximal thumb phalange and proximal relative to the distal thumbphalange and extends 180° around the ulnar-facing side of thelongitudinal axis of the thumb sleeve 92. On the other side of theprotective member 10, the edge 72 of the second portion 14 is alignedwith forefinger boundary edge 105 to extend 180° around theradius-facing side of the forefinger. This alignment positions theprotecting region 84 directly above and over the thumb crotch 104 ofliner 90.

As depicted in FIG. 5B, a second protecting region 87 of protectivemember 10 is positioned to protect at least a portion of the dorsal sideof the wearer's hand. Namely, the third edge 22 extends ulnarly at anangle between 15° and 75° crossing over the third metacarpal bone. Thefirst edge 18 extends radially at an angle generally orthogonal to thatof the third edge 22. As such, the first edge 18 crosses over the secondmetacarpal bone at an angle equal to 90° less the angle of the thirdedge 22. Thus, if the third edge 22 crosses the third metacarpal atabout 60° relative to horizontal, then the first edge 18 crosses thesecond metacarpal at about 30° relative to horizontal.

With respect to the dorsal side, the arcuate edge 46 defining cutoutregion 44 assists with the flexibility and bending of protective member10 during its use. The liquid proof and heat resistant glove carryingprotective member 10 is preferably used in a delicatessen for removingrotisserie chickens from a rotisserie spit. A deli worker dons thesegloves prior to removing the chickens from the spit. To remove a chickenfrom a spit, a worker wearing the liquid proof heat resistant glovesremoves the spit from the rotating oven. The worker then grasps the spitat one end. Ordinarily, a right handed person grasps the right end withhis right hand and grasps adjacent the right end of the spit with hisleft hand in the glove. This spit is then positioned above thethumb-crotch region of the left-hand glove. The user then pulls the spitusing his right hand in a motion similar to drawing a sword, all whilecontinuing to grasp the spit with his left hand. As the spit travelsover the left-hand thumb crotch region through the user's grasped hand,the chickens are released from the spit and fall into a desiredcontainer. The protective member 10 protects the user's hand during thismotion.

FIG. 6 depicts one exemplary method of manufacture for the glovecarrying protective member 10. After the protective member 10 has beenconnected to the liner 90, as described above, the liner may be dippedinto a liquefied bath of glove material. This effectively seals theprotective member 10 between the liner 90 and an outer surface materiallayer 112. The outer surface material layer 112 is liquid proof and heatresistant as one having skill in the art would understand, and whencured defines an assembled glove 114.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B represent an assembled liquid proof and heatresistant glove 114 in accordance with the present disclosure. Theprotective member 10 is shown in dashed-lines representing that it issecured and sealed below the outer surface material layer 112 andprotects the thumb crotch of the same. However, while protective member10 is sealed within glove 114 (i.e., sandwiched between the inner linerand the outer surface material), it is visually undetectable.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

Moreover, the description and illustration set out herein are an exampleand the invention is not limited to the exact details shown ordescribed.

What is claimed is:
 1. Prior to installing on a glove, a protectivemember for a thumb-crotch region of the glove is laid flat and when theprotective member is laid flat the protective member comprises: a firstsurface adapted to face an inner liner of the glove; a second surfaceadapted to face an outer layer of the glove; a trapezoidal-shaped edgebounding the first surface and the second surface; a major axisassociated with the trapezoidal-shaped edge; a minor axis associatedwith the trapezoidal-shaped edge; wherein the protective member isformed from a material that is more cut-resistant than that of the outerlayer of the glove to which the protective member will be installed. 2.The protective member of claim 1, further comprising: at least twoopposing slits interrupting the trapezoidal-shaped edge.
 3. Theprotective member of claim 2, wherein the at least two slits extendparallel to the minor axis.
 4. The protective member of claim 3, whereineach slit terminates prior to the major axis, and wherein the at leasttwo slits enable the protective member to bend around a thumb sleeve ofthe glove and around a forefinger sleeve of the glove such that themajor axis of the protective member extends over a thumb-crotch regiondefined between the thumb sleeve and the forefinger sleeve.
 5. Theprotective member of claim 2, wherein when laid flat further comprisesat least one triangular member,
 6. The protective member of claim 5,wherein the at least one triangular member comprises at least onearcuate edge.
 7. The protective member of claim 6, wherein thetriangular member is disposed within one of the at least two opposingslits.
 8. The protective member of claim 1, further comprising: a firstportion of the trapezoidal-shaped edge offset to a first side of theminor axis; a second portion of the trapezoidal-shaped edge offset to asecond side of the minor axis opposite the first side; wherein when theprotective member is connected to the glove, the first portion isfixedly attached to a dorsal side of the glove and extends to at least amiddle metacarpal region of the glove, and wherein when the protectivemember is connected to the glove, the second portion is fixedly attachedto a planar side of the glove and extends to at least the middlemetacarpal region of the glove.
 9. The protective member of claim 1,wherein the trapezoidal-shaped edge is an outermost edge of theprotective member.
 10. The protective member of claim 1, wherein themajor axis is longer than the minor axis.
 11. The protective member ofclaim 1, further comprising: a first quarter-round shaped member havingan arcuate edge, and two perpendicular edges meeting at a point.
 12. Theprotective member of claim 11, wherein the first quarter-round shapedmember is disposed within a first slit interrupting thetrapezoidal-shaped edge such that the point is closely adjacent an innerterminal end of the first slit.
 13. The protective member of claim 12,further comprising: a union between one of the two perpendicular edgesof the quarter-round shaped member and a portion of a first slit edgedefining the first slit.
 14. The protective member of claim 13, whereinthe union is created by stitched thread.
 15. The protective member ofclaim 1, further comprising: a first quarter-round shaped member havingan arcuate edge, and two linear edges meeting at a point, wherein thefirst quarter-round shaped member is disposed within a first slit thatinterrupts the trapezoidal-shaped edge; and a second quarter-roundshaped member having an arcuate edge, and two linear edges meeting at apoint, wherein the second quarter-round shaped member is disposed withina second slit that interrupts the trapezoidal-shaped edge at a differentlocation than the first slit.